Capitol Records

Capitol was started in 1942 by Johnny Mercer, Buddy De Sylva and Glenn Wallichs. One of their first releases Cow Cow Boogie was a chart success in 1942. Early success through the 1940's was surpassed by their expansion in the 1950's with a star packed roster that included Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and Peggy Lee. By the middle of the decade Capitol was one of the top 5 labels in America. EMI bought a major part of the company at this time but it continued to operate using the Capitol name. The success continued with performers such as Dean Martin, Buck Owens and Les Paul. Moving into the sixties the label featured The Kingston Trio, The Beach Boys, and thanks to their parent company EMI, The Beatles. Other rock acts through the 1960's and 1970's included Steve Miller, Grand Funk Railroad and Pink Floyd. After a less prominent 1980's success returned to the label in the 1990's with artists such as Garth Brooks, Tina Tuner, Bonnie Raitt, MC Hammer and Crowded House. Capitol is part of EMI Music Worldwide.